STEM & Social Skills Group for Children (Ages 8–12)

📍 In-Person Program | ⏱️ 4 Weeks

🌟 Program Overview

This engaging 4-week social and STEM-focused group is designed for children aged 8–12 with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) who enjoy hands-on learning, problem-solving, and connecting with peers in a supportive and structured environment.

Each session blends fun, interactive STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) activities with meaningful opportunities to build social and communication skills.

🧩 What Participants Will Do

Children will take part in exciting, hands-on activities such as:

• 🏗️ Engineering and building challenges

• 🔬 Simple science experiments

• 🧠 Logic puzzles and problem-solving tasks

• 🧱 Building structures with various materials

• 🤝 Collaborative group projects

These activities are designed to spark curiosity while naturally encouraging teamwork and peer interaction.

📚 Skills Developed

Participants will practice key age-appropriate social and communication skills, including:

• 🤝 Teamwork and collaboration

• 💬 Sharing ideas and participating in discussions

• 🔄 Taking turns and flexible thinking

• 👂 Active listening

• ❓ Asking and answering questions

• 🎯 Working toward shared goals

The program supports skill development in a way that feels natural, engaging, and fun.

🧠 Program Approach

Using principles of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA), trained staff provide structured and individualized support, including:

• ✅ Modeling and guided instruction

• 🌟 Positive reinforcement

• 👩‍🏫 Prompting strategies

• 📝 Individualized encouragement and support

This approach helps each child build confidence and succeed in both social and STEM-based activities.

💛 A Supportive Environment

This group focuses on learning through play, curiosity, and collaboration in a positive and inclusive environment ✨. Children are encouraged to explore their interests, build friendships, and develop confidence while being supported every step of the way.

Group Details:

• 📅 4-week program starting July 9th, 2026 - July 30th, 2026

• 🕕 Thursdays 5:30-6:30 PM

• 📍 Main office

• 🔟 Limited to 8 participants

• 🎯 Cost: $1540.00 for the entire 4 week group. This is an OAP-eligible expense.

Interested in this group? Please fill out the form below and we will connect with you shortly!

FEE-FOR-SERVICE GROUP PROGRAMMING - IN PERSON

🌟 Social Skills Group for Children (Ages 8–13)

📍 YMCA Cobourg | ⏱️ 4-Week Program

🧩 Program Overview

This fun and engaging social group is designed for children aged 8–13 with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) who are looking to build friendships 🤝, confidence 💪, and communication skills 🗣️ in a supportive and welcoming environment.

Hosted at the YMCA in Cobourg, this 4-week program provides opportunities for children to connect with peers through interactive games 🎲, team activities 🏅, guided conversations 💬, and social challenges tailored to their age and interests.

📚 What Participants Will Learn

Throughout the program, children will practice and develop a variety of important social and communication skills, including:

• 🗨️ Starting and maintaining conversations

• 🔄 Taking turns and sharing

• 👂 Active listening

• 👀 Understanding social cues

• 🤝 Cooperative play and teamwork

• 🧠 Perspective taking

• ❤️ Emotional regulation

• 🌈 Building and maintaining friendships

🧠 Program Approach

Activities are designed to be engaging, motivating, and supportive, helping children gain confidence interacting with peers in both structured and natural social settings.

Using principles of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA), trained staff provide:

• ✅ Individualized support

• 🌟 Positive reinforcement

• 👩‍🏫 Modeling and prompting

• 📝 Guided practice

Our goal is to help each participant strengthen meaningful social skills while fostering independence and confidence.

💛 A Supportive Environment

This group is centered on creating a positive, inclusive atmosphere where children feel safe, supported, and encouraged to be themselves ✨. We celebrate each child’s strengths while helping them grow socially and emotionally.

Group Details:

• 📅This program runs from  July 9th-July 30th

• 🕓 Every Thursday from 6:00PM–7:00PM

• 📍Cobourg Northumberland YMCA - 339 Elgin St W, Cobourg ON K9A 4X5

• 🏢 When families arrive, they will meet a Canopy Support Services staff at the YMCA each week. The children will have access to the play structure/gym area and should bring appropriate footwear and a water bottle

• 🎯 Children aged 8–13 with ASD

• 💲 $1750.00

• 🧾 Eligible expense under the Ontario Autism Program (OAP)

  Registration is currently closed, but we have another Skill Builder’s Social Club running in August.

Active Adventurers Group for Children (Ages 8–12)

📍 In-Person Program | ⏱️ 4 Weeks

🌟 Program Overview

This engaging 4-week group is designed for children aged 8–12 with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) who benefit from opportunities to build coordination, confidence, and social connection in a fun and supportive environment.

Each session combines structured and play-based gross motor activities with meaningful opportunities to develop social skills and peer relationships.

🧩 What Participants Will Do

Children will participate in a variety of active, movement-based experiences, including:

• 🏃 Obstacle courses

• 🏅 Relay races and team games

• ⚽ Ball skills and coordination activities

• ⚖️ Balance and body awareness exercises

• 🤝 Cooperative team challenges

• 🎯 Group movement and play-based activities

These activities are designed to promote engagement, physical development, motor planning, and enjoyment.

📚 Skills Developed

Participants will build important social and motor skills such as:

• 🔄 Turn-taking and waiting

• 🤝 Teamwork and cooperation

• 👂 Following group instructions

• 💬 Communication during activities

• 🧠 Problem-solving and flexible thinking

• 🌟 Encouraging and supporting peers

• 🏃 Coordination, strength, and body awareness

Skills are practiced through play to support confidence and real-life application.

🧠 Program Approach

Using principles of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA), trained staff provide:

• ✅ Clear instruction and modeling

• 🌟 Positive reinforcement

• 👩‍🏫 Prompting strategies

• 📝 Individualized support tailored to each child

This approach helps children succeed in both motor and social activities while building confidence.

💛 A Supportive Environment

This group focuses on participation, skill-building, and positive peer interaction in a safe and inclusive setting ✨. Children are encouraged to learn through movement, play, and collaboration while developing friendships and confidence.

Group Details:

• 📅 4-week program starting August 5th, 2026 - August 26th, 2026

• 🕕 Wednesdays from 5:30-6:30 PM

• 📍 Main office

• 🔟 Limited to 8 participants

• 🎯 Cost: $1540.00 for the entire 4 week group. This is an OAP-eligible expense.

• 🚗 Parking : Please use the lower parking lot and enter through the side doors marked “Autism Services Clinic.”

Interested in this group? Please fill out the form below and we will connect with you shortly!

Community Participation Group for Teens (Ages 13–17)

📍 Peterborough Area | ⏱️ 4-Week Program

🌟 Program Overview

This 4-week ABA-based community participation group is designed for teens aged 13–17 with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) who are looking to build independence, confidence, and social connections in a supportive and engaging environment.

Through real-world experiences and community-based activities, participants will practice important life and social skills alongside peers while receiving guidance from trained staff.

🧩 What Participants Will Do

Each session includes a community outing or hands-on activity such as:

• 🍽️ Visiting restaurants

• 🎨 Decorating pottery

• 🎉 Attending local events

• 🏅 Exploring recreation activities

• 🛒 Practicing shopping and money skills

• 🚌 Riding the Peterborough transit system

• 🚦 Learning public transportation safety and navigation

📚 Skills Developed

Participants will build and practice essential life skills, including:

• 🗣️ Communication and social interaction

• 🤝 Building peer relationships

• 🔄 Flexibility and problem-solving

• 💬 Self-advocacy

• ❤️ Emotional regulation

• 🧠 Decision-making and independence

• 🚸 Community safety awareness

• 💲 Money handling skills

Skills are practiced across various natural settings to support real-life application and independence.

🧠 Program Approach

Using principles of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA), trained staff provide:

• ✅ Individualized support

• 🌟 Positive reinforcement

• 👩‍🏫 Prompting and modeling strategies

• 📝 Goal-based skill development

Programming is tailored to each teen’s unique strengths, goals, and needs.

💛 A Supportive Environment

This group fosters a fun, inclusive, and encouraging atmosphere where teens feel safe to explore, learn, and grow ✨. The focus is on building confidence, independence, and meaningful social connections while supporting each participant’s success.

Group Details:

• 📅 4-week program starting August 10th - August 31st, 2026

• 🕕 Mondays, 5:30-7:30 PM

• 📍 Main office & various locations throughout the community. Staff will provide you with a pickup/drop-off schedule closer to the start of the group

• 👥 Participants should be able to safely engage in small-group community outings with staff support

• 🔟 Limited to 8 participants

• 🎯 Cost: $2930.00 for the entire 4 week group. This is an OAP-eligible expense.

Interested in this group? Please fill out the form below and we will connect with you shortly!